Difference Between Siberian Husky and Malamute

Siberian Husky vs Malamute
 

These two are very similar looking dog breeds and more often mistakenly identify by people. Therefore, understanding the existing differences between them would be important. In fact, they differ in many ways including the fur coat thickness, country of origin, temperaments, and many other factors. This article attempts to cover most of the important characteristics of both malamutes and huskies with more emphasis on their distinctive features, so that the presented comparison at the end would mean more than usual.

Siberian Husky

Siberian husky is also known as Chukcha or Chuksha, and it is nick named as Icee. As the name suggests, Siberian huskies have been originated in Siberia, Russia. They are descendants of the original sled dogs, and Siberian huskies are one of the earliest dog breeds. This dog breed has some particulars, which are unique among all other breeds of dogs. Their almond shaped eyes resemble a great monster inside them and those eyes could be of few colours according to the ancestry. They are generally medium sized dogs, measuring from 51 – 60 centimetres in height. The males are larger and heavier than the female Siberian huskies. The bodyweights of males (23 – 34 kilograms) could be as twice as that of females (16 – 27 kilograms). They have a great adaptation to withstand the strong cold climates of Siberia by having a highly thick inner coat of fur covered by a soft outer coat. In fact, it is one of the thickest fur coats among all the dog breeds of the world. However, they become unique among other by having the soft outer coat of fur along with erected and triangular shaped ears. In addition, the sickle tail and the other distinctive marks are important to observe about these dogs. In addition to pulling carts, Siberian huskies are used in shows, as well. They are usually aggressive dogs, but a well-trained one could make a great pet. These interesting dogs are very active and intelligent. Usually, they are healthy and can live for about 13 – 16 years with proper care.

Malamute

Malamute is also known as Mal or Alaskan malamute, and this is a standard dog breed with particular characteristics being defined by many respected kennel clubs in the world. They are mainly working dogs but very much popular as pets dogs. Malamutes have a very important history regarding their origin in Alaska, as they are descendants of the Alaskan sled dogs. Given their natural traits became a separate dog breed among other selectively bred breeds, malamutes are characterised with their natural size ranges by the kennel clubs. The usual upper limit of weight is 39 kilograms for a male and 34 kilograms for a female. Their height is 58 centimetres in females and 64 centimetres in males. Their coat is thick and it contains a plush inner coat and long outer coat with slightly harsh outer coat. The colour of their coat could be any of sable, black, grey, red, or white. In addition, the whole coat appear as a combination with white colour always. Except for the blue colour, their almond shaped eyes could be light to dark brown according to the kennel club standards. Their tail is an important feature, as it should be carried over the back with a highly furred waving plume appearance. They are not much friendly with other small animals and sometimes with children, although they are affectionate pets.